Tens of thousands of dollars were withdrawn from the bank account of a homicide victim the day before he was found burned to death.

Police believe the withdrawal is directly linked to the death of Shalvin Prasad, 21.

Prasad's body was discovered in a small scrub fire on the side of McRobbie Rd in Kingseat, Auckland on Thursday last week. He was burned alive.

Detective Inspector Dave Lynch said today that Prasad had withdrawn a large sum of money from a bank in Manukau on Wednesday prior to going missing.

He withdrew the money over the counter from a teller at the ASB in Ronwood Ave.

"People may well speculate as to how a 21-year-old came to have a large sum of money but at this stage of the investigation police emphasise there is no indication Shalvin was involved in illegal activity."

He had saved the money from his job over a long period, Lynch said.

Prasad's family noticed the money was missing on Wednesday night, after he went to play pool with friends and never returned.

Police are seeking public help to find the money and those who have it.

"We are seeking assistance from anyone that knows or was associated with Shalvin who have heard any talk that he had withdrawn this money and what he proposed to do with it."

On Sunday, police said Prasad's car - a Toyota RAV 4 - had been found at an industrial premises in the Plunkett Ave area of Papatoetoe, about 10km from where his body was found.

The vehicle was secured and will be subject to an extensive forensic examination.

Police have also appealed to any business owners in the Plunkett Avenue area that have CCTV to aid the investigation with any footage they may possess.

His brother, Pravin Prasad, said Shalvin was the youngest and was "full of life".

"Family and friends are the centre of his world," he said.

"He loves to play soccer and enjoyed his job. He is probably the most innocent 21-year-old you could meet."